JOIN USRubbishing claims by Tourism Minister G Janardhana Reddy that their company Ombulapuram Mining Corporation activities were confined to Andhra Pradesh, former leader of Opposition Congress in the Legislative Council V S Ugrappa charged that the ministers "misused" their office, mining permits and engaged in illegal mining after "intimidating" officials.
Rebutting Reddy's charge that Congress leaders were involved in illegal mining, he said "let it be left CBI to decide on the matter".
Ugrappa also wondered why Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa was afraid of seeking CBI investigation into the issue.
Congress MLC, K C Kondaiah, who has filed a complaint seeking disqualification of Janardhna Reddy, his brother Revenue Minsiter G Karunakara Reddy and Health Minister B Sreeramulu from their legisalture membership accusing them of attracting "office of profit" clause, also reiterated his charge that the Reddy's were involved in illegal mining.
Kondiah, who also hail from Bellary district, asked "if Janardhana Reddy says he has no mines in Karnataka then why are so many men and machienry owned by him are operating in so many mines".
The Reddy brothers had entered into a "working formula" with 40 mines in Bellary district and have been sharing the resources, he charged.
Ugrappa alleged Yedyurappa was aware of the "disappearance" of iron ore from Belekere port and claimed he had evidence to prove his charge.